Released on: October 28, 2008, 2:22 pm

Press Release Author: California Association of Food Banks

Industry: Government

Press Release Summary: Today, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) released
Food Stamp Access in Urban America: A City-by-City Snapshot, a report showing that
millions of dollars in federal food assistance are being left on the sidewalks in
three of California's large cities.

Press Release Body: October 28, 2008

Today, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) released Food Stamp Access in
Urban America: A City-by-City Snapshot, a report showing that millions of dollars in
federal food assistance are being left on the sidewalks in three of California's
large cities. FRAC lists two California cities as among the bottom five, estimating
that only 29% of eligible San Diegans and 50% of Angelinos participated in the Food
Stamp Program (now federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
in 2006; as a result, the state lost out on over $453 million in federally-funded
benefits.

The California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) is proud to be working to address
this issue with targeted outreach campaigns and partnerships with county, state and
federal program administrators. These partnerships, established in 2004 to address
under-participation in the Food Stamp Program, have more than doubled in size since
2006, the year analyzed by the FRAC study.

While outreach and enrollment assistance at food banks and other non-profits are
resulting in increases in participation, reducing program red-tape can have an even
bigger impact. Just this month, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB433 (Beall, D-San
Jose) ending the asset test for food stamp applicants. This is an example of how
bi-partisan efforts can eliminate wasteful paperwork and make asking for help easier
for low-income Californians. Still, more needs to be done to improve access for an
estimated 2 million eligible Californians who are not participating in the food
stamp program which would bring critical federal dollars to the State. Some of the
opportunities California has to improve this program include the following:

Reduce Reporting Red-tape: California is one of only two states that require food
stamp recipients to report quarterly. This year, the Governor vetoed AB 2844 (John
Laird), which would have moved California to a six-month reporting system for food
stamps, eliminating costly red tape.

End Expensive Biometrics: California is one of the few states that require costly
biometric finger imaging for anyone applying for food stamps. This requirement not
only costs the state millions of dollars, but also makes it impossible for working
families to apply - as they are must ask for time off work to go into the office.

Food Stamps For People in Recovery: California has yet to restore food stamp
eligibility for people who are attempting to reintegrate into society after having
served their time for a drug related offense. The Governor vetoed AB 1966 (Swanson,
D-Oakland) that would have made this change.

For more information about CAFB's food stamp outreach efforts or to learn how to
apply for food stamps, go to http://www.myfoodstamps.org.


Web Site: http://www.myfoodstamps.org

Contact Details: Eric Manke
510-272-4435 x241
510-272-9171 (fax)
eric@cafoodbanks.org
1611 Telegraph Ave.
Suite 830
Oakland, CA 94612